It only stands to reason, then, that out of this crucible, Brit Hume would want to share that miracle with others who are hurting — with Tiger Woods, for example. And so, channeling Mother Teresa and not Tom Shales, Hume’s first duty is to smile, as painful as that must be some days. His second duty, as he sees it, is to share the reason he’s able to smile. So why would anyone begrudge him that?
Well, one reason is excess partisanship. If you’re a hater, all you need to see are the words “Fox News” or “Brit Hume” then you are against whatever he’s for. I don’t get that kind of thinking, and don’t have much to say to those who engage in it — but that isn’t the only factor that made some people uncomfortable about Hume’s homily. Like Sandy Hume, I’m a second-generation journalist, and old-school besides. There’s a phrase we used to recite, a mantra, if I may mix my religious references, and it is very simple: “No cheering in the press box.”
A Christian must bear witness to the very ends of the Earth, the Book of Acts tells us. A reporter ought to keep his opinions (and his religious beliefs) to himself. Two noble creeds that are occasionally at odds. Brit Hume came down on one side the other day, and seemed comfortable doing it. I submit that his critics would have more credibility if they toned down their own press box cheering – and their booing as well.
Fox, Tiger, and Christianity: A defense of Brit Hume
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